The future of radio: adaptation, innovation and proximity at the 8th Alumni Breakfast Club

The debate was introduced by lecturer Pere Buhigas. Emili Pacheco highlighted his emotional connection to radio: “I am in love with this medium. Even though I started out studying business, I always wanted to talk about life on the radio. For me, radio is much more than a job; it is a way of life.”

Meanwhile, Laura Monill explained that radio has been a constant companion since she was 13. “I fell in love immediately. It is a medium that allows you to connect with people in a unique way.” Sergio, on the other hand, approached radio from a more professional perspective: “I am a manager. Radio is a company, and as such, needs solid management. My focus is to make sure that company works.”

One of the central themes of the debate was the radio business model in a context marked by the proliferation of digital platforms and changes in consumer habits. Sergio was conclusive: “We’ve been hearing for decades that radio is going to die, but it’s still here. Radio generates a unique emotional bond between the speaker and the listener. Spotify can't offer that. Although most of advertising investment goes into television, radio remains a trusted medium for companies.”

Monill added: “We young people continue to connect with radio, although in different ways. In the case of music radio, the broadcaster adds added value by sharing extra information about songs or artists. You don’t find that on other platforms.”

Emili agreed that proximity radio, now powered by the internet, has a very strong emotional component. “People feel that the radio is a companion. We did a survey in the street and found that while older people listen to traditional radio, young people discover it through TikTok or Instagram. Radio doesn’t die; it adapts.”

Participants ended the event with a message addressed to young professionals. Monill encouraged them to continue in the field: “Radio is a beautiful sector. The immediacy of the medium makes you fall in love; you don’t need an image to transmit emotions. If you are passionate about it, continue.” Sergio added: “There is a lot more radio to be made. Creativity, emotion and quality content are the keys.” Emili, meanwhile, highlighted the value of local radio as a school of learning: “Municipal radio doesn’t compete with others, but complements them. It is a space for professional and personal growth.”

The photographs included in this news article were taken by students Daniel Roy, Christian Steinberger, and Martín Barra as part of their work for the subject *Journalistic Language* in the Bachelor's Degree in Journalism.